Wireless communication system that supports selection of operation from multiple frequency bands and multiple protocols and method of operation therefor

ABSTRACT

A wireless communication system facilitates wireless communication with a subscribing unit operating within a respective service area. At least one base station supports wireless communication within the service area in a plurality of frequency bands and according to a plurality of communication protocols. In a broadcast message, a transmitting base station indicates to the subscribing unit the plurality of frequency bands and the plurality of communication protocols available. The subscribing unit receives the broadcast message and communicates with the base station on one of the plurality of frequency bands according to one of the plurality of communication protocols. In another embodiment, the system includes a plurality of base stations providing overlying coverage within the service area. In such systems, multiple broadcast message may provide information regarding the overlying coverage provided. The broadcast message may also include channel information that indicates the available channels within the available frequency bands, preference information, traffic levels within the frequency bands, available bandwidth within the frequency bands and system operator information that may indicates to the subscribing unit operation on reserved portions of the frequency band is available. The broadcast message may also indicate traffic levels on overlying systems, the bandwidth provided and cost of service for the overlying systems. A subscribing unit operating within the service area receives the broadcast message, makes operational decisions, may elicit additional information, makes operational determinations and communicates on a selected frequency band according to a selected communication protocol.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Sec.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/045,995, filed May 8,1997, copending, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/047,280, filed May 21, 1997, pending, both of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to wireless communicationsystems; and more particularly to a wireless communication systemsupporting cooperative selection of frequency bands, radio frequency(RF) channels, protocols and protocol revisions for subsequentcommunications between the network and subscribing units operatingwithin a service area supported by the network. Further, the presentinvention relates to a wireless communication system in which thenecessary system operating information is contained within the broadcastmessages, such operating information used in the selection of the modeof operation (Digital or Analog) and the selection of the frequency bandin which the wireless communication services are provided.

2. Related Art

Wireless communication systems are well known in the art. Such systemsfacilitate communication between a user of a wireless subscribing unitand users of other wireless subscribing units as well as betweenwireless subscribing units and users of wired units, such as thoseattached to the public switched telephone network. Depending upon theparticular implementation, wireless communication systems may operateaccording to multiple protocols in particular frequency bands and onparticular channels contained within the frequency bands. Frequencybands currently in use in North America and around the world forwireless communications include the 800 MHz (cellular) band and the 1900MHz (PCS) band among others.

Various communication protocols have been developed to standardizedifferent wireless communication technologies. These communicationprotocols include, for example, the Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS)standards, the Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone Service (NAMPS)standards, the Global Standard for Mobility (GSM), the Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) standards and the Time Division Multiple Access(TDMA) standards among others. Further, these standardized protocolstypically include various protocol revisions that must be accommodated,the protocol revisions further defining how additional wirelesscommunication services and features are supported.

In most installations, a plurality of base stations managed by a mobileswitching center (MSC) support wireless communications within aparticular geographic area. Together, these components are referred toas a "network" and provide wireless coverage within a service area.Typically, separate service providers maintain their own service areaswhich may overlap one another, each service provider maintaining anetwork to support its wireless service. Large geographic areas, oftenreferred to as metropolitan trading areas (MTA), are typically servicedby multiple service providers. To maximize revenues, each serviceprovider desires to serve a maximum number of subscribing units withinthe MTA. Presently, such may only be accomplished by having each usersubscribe to a particular service provider.

With the advent of multiple communication protocols and technologies, inan effort to serve more subscribing units, service providers may providewireless service in multiple frequency bands and according to multiplecommunication protocols. For example, the service provider may supportboth AMPS standards and CDMA standards on the cellular band whilesupporting only CDMA standards on the PCS band. While such multipleofferings may increase the potential number of subscribing units thatmay be served, the coordination between various communication protocolsand various frequency bands within the system is required. However, themechanism by which the system can coordinate this complex operation isnot specified in the current standards. Further, because of the relativeexpense of supporting the multiple frequency bands and the multiplecommunication protocols, most service providers are limited to providingservices for less than the full possible offering sets.

Manufacturers of subscribing units have responded to multiple serviceofferings by producing subscribing units that operate across multiplefrequency bands and according to multiple protocols. For example, amultiple mode subscribing unit may support both operation under theanalog AMPS (e.g., EIA/TIA-553, IS-91A) standard and operation under thedigital CDMA (e.g., IS-95, IS-95B) standard which operates in multiplefrequency bands. Further, in other situations, the subscribing units mayoperate under both AMPS (e.g., EIA/TIA-553) standard and the TDMA (e.g.,IS-136) standard which operates in multiple frequency bands. However,coordinating operation for the subscribing unit in the multiplefrequency bands and according to multiple protocols has provendifficult. Since the multiple mode subscribing units operating accordingto analog standards in multiple mode systems typically do not indicatethe capability of the network, identifying operating capabilities, muchless choosing from the available operating capabilities, has beendifficult if not impossible.

As the number of subscribers operating within a particular service areaincreases, traffic within the service area also increases. Oftentimes,access and traffic channels are not available when requested andsubscribers cannot access the system when desired. To compound problems,most subscribing units operate according to older analog protocols.Thus, even when sufficient bandwidth is available on the PCS bands tosupport communication for all multiple mode digital (CDMA) subscribingunits in a certain service area, traffic problems may still exist.Further, due to shortcomings in the operation of subscribing units thatcan operate in both the AMPS standard and the CDMA standard, thesubscribing units often fail to move to the less trafficked CDMAfrequency bands due to lack of system information on the broadcastsignal and lack of communication facilities between the subscribingunits and the base station.

Thus, there exists a need in the art for a wireless communication systemthat efficiently causes subscribing units to operate among the variousavailable frequency bands and protocols and to allow the subscribingunits to request additional information from the AMPs networks regardingthese frequency bands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A wireless communication system according to the present inventionfacilitates wireless communication with a multiple mode subscribing unitoperating within a respective service area. The wireless communicationsystem includes a base station that provides the wireless communicationwithin the service area in a plurality of frequency bands and accordingto a plurality of communication protocols. In a broadcast message on theAMPS control channel, the base station indicates to the subscribing unitthe plurality of frequency bands and the plurality of communicationprotocols available. The subscribing unit receives the broadcastmessage. Based on the information provided and based on the userpreferred mode of operation, the subscribing unit may decide tocommunicate with the base station to request additional information onone of the plurality of frequency bands. To accomplish these operations,the base station may include a broadcast message unit and thesubscribing unit may include a selection unit. When all pertinentinformation has been exchanged, the subscribing unit, in conjunctionwith the network, selects a particular set of operating parameters andproceeds in operation.

The broadcast message may also include channel information thatindicates the availability of a certain communication protocol and theavailable RF channels within the frequency bands. Further, the broadcastmessage may also include preference information that indicates preferredoperation among the plurality of frequency bands and among the pluralityof communication protocols. Additionally, the broadcast message mayinclude preference information that indicates traffic levels within atleast one frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands. Moreover,the broadcast message may include preference information that indicatesavailable bandwidth within at least one frequency band of the pluralityof frequency bands. Based upon the preference information, thesubscribing unit may select operation in the frequency bands andoperating protocols. The broadcast message may also include systemoperator information that is available to a subscribing unit. Suchsystem operator information indicates to the subscribing unit portionsof at least one frequency band reserved for the subscribing unit.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the plurality offrequency bands include the 800 MHz frequency band and the 1900 MHz(PCS) frequency band. In the embodiment, the plurality of communicationprotocols may include an analog protocol and a code division multipleaccess protocol such as the AMPs protocol and the CDMA protocol,respectively. However, other embodiments may support additionalprotocols as well.

Construction of the wireless communication system includes at least onemobile switching center and a plurality of base stations that togetherprovide wireless (coverage within the service area. The plurality ofbase stations are coupled to the mobile switching center and eachprovide wireless communication within a respective portion of theservice area. In the embodiment, at least one of the plurality of basestations provides service in a plurality of frequency bands andaccording to a plurality of communication protocols. At least one of theplurality of base stations indicates the plurality of frequency bandsand the plurality of communication protocols in a broadcast message. Asubscribing unit operating within the service area receives thebroadcast message, makes operational decisions and communicates with oneof the base stations on a selected frequency band according to aselected communication protocol.

In the embodiment, the broadcast message may further include bandwidthinformation for at least one of the plurality of base stations and,based upon the contents of the broadcast message, the subscribing unitmay establish communication with one of the base stations to obtain adesired bandwidth. The broadcast message may also include cost ofservice information for at least one of the plurality of base stationsso that the subscribing unit establishes communication with one of thebase stations based upon a desired cost of service.

In other embodiments, sets of base stations provide overlying wirelesscoverage in differing frequency bands and/or that operate according todiffering communication protocols. For example, a first set of basestations may operate according to the AMPS operating protocol in the 800MHz band, while a second set of base stations operates in the PCS bandaccording to the CDMA operating protocol and a third set of basestations operates in the 800 MHz band according to the CDMA operatingprotocol. In the embodiment, the overlying systems may be supported bydiffering system operators, with each of the system operators providingdiffering types, grades and costs of service. However, two of thesystems may be operated by a common operator, for example the 800 MHzAMPS system and the PCS CDMA system. However, the common operator hasinstalled a separate infrastructure for each of the overlying systems.

With such overlying systems installed, the operator of the system mayprovide broadcast messages on each commonly owned system that notifiessubscribing units within the area of the existence and operatingparameters of each of the overlying systems. Further, operators ofcompeting overlying systems may agree to broadcast information regardingthe overlying system of their competitor. In either case, upon receiptof the broadcast information, a subscribing unit will determine apreferred system of the overlying systems and initiate operation withthe preferred system.

Moreover, other aspects of the present invention will become apparentwith further reference to the drawings and specification which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication systemconstructed according to the present invention wherein the networkbroadcasts frequency band, channel and protocol information;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a wirelesscommunication system constructed according to the present inventionwherein the network broadcasts frequency band, channel and protocolinformation;

FIG. 2 is a representation of information contained within a broadcastmessage transmitted by a base station constructed according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a wirelesscommunication system constructed according to the present invention intransmitting a broadcast message, receiving such broadcast message andselecting a particular frequency band and particular protocol ofoperation for optimal communication with the base station; and

FIGS. 4 and 5 are logic diagrams illustrating operation of a wirelesscommunication system according to the present invention in selectingoperation among analog protocol or CDMA protocol and in selectingoperation among the 800 MHz frequency band and the PCS frequency 1900MHz band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a wireless communication system 100 constructedaccording to the present invention. The wireless communication system100 includes a mobile switching center (MSC) 102 and base stations 106and 108 providing wireless service to subscribing units 103, 105, and107. The MSC 102 provides access to the public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN) 104. The MSC 102 and the base stations 106 and 108 aretogether referred to as the "network" which provides wirelesscommunications throughout a service area. The network, thereforefacilitates communication among the subscribing units 103, 105 and 107and between any of the subscribing units 103, 105 and 107 and otherunits coupled to the PSTN 104. Of course, such connections also enablecommunication between the subscribing units 103, 105 and 107 andsubscribing units operating in other systems as well.

Base stations 106 and 108 and MSC 102 include broadcast message units(BCMUs) 110, 112 and 114, respectively. The BCMUs 110, 112 and 114 work,in combination, to broadcast broadcast messages within the service area.Broadcast messages includes information relating to the manner in whichthe subscribing units 103, 105 and 107 operate within the service area.However, as will be described more fully hereinafter, the broadcastmessages may include additional types of information as well.

As is shown, each of the base stations 106 and 108 includes multipleantennas. The multiple antennas indicate that the base stations 106 and108 operate on multiple frequency bands and/or operate according tomultiple operating protocols. In the particular embodiment illustrated,the base stations 106 and 108 are shown to be unitary structuresconnected directly to the MSC 102. However, each base station mayinclude a plurality of components dispersed throughout a service area.For example, each base station may include multiple base transceiverstations, each servicing a respective communication cell. Multiple basetransceiver stations, each operating in a respective frequency band andaccording to a respective communication protocol. Antennas of the basetransceiver stations may share a single tower structure. As isappreciated, many differing embodiments of base stations may beconstructed according to the present invention, each providing thebenefits associated with the present invention.

Broadcast messages are typically broadcast on a control channel. In oneembodiment wherein the base stations 106 and 108 support both analog anddigital standards, the broadcast messages are broadcast on an analogchannel channel. However, the broadcast messages may also be broadcaston a dedicated broadcast channel. Each base station 106 and 108 maytransmit a unique broadcast message, relating information specific tothe respective base station. However, in other embodiments, the basestations 106 and 108 may transmit a common broadcast message. In stillother embodiments, one group of base stations controlled by the MSC 102may broadcast a first broadcast message while other groups of basestations controlled by the MSC 102 may broadcast a second broadcastmessage.

In one embodiment, each base station 106 and 108 includes a separateBCMU, 110 and 112, respectively. In the embodiment, the BCMUs 110 and112 operate substantially independently from each other, broadcastinginformation specific to the respective base station, 106 and 108,respectively. In another embodiment, neither base station 106 or 108includes a BCMUs, with a single BCMU 114 located in the MSC 102coordinating and directing all broadcast messages sent from connectedbase stations 106 and 108. In either case, or in any other construction,the BCMUs 110, 112 and 114 may be constructed either as specializedhardware or as generalized hardware that is specifically programmed toexecute the operations of the present invention.

Broadcast messages may include frequency band information, channelinformation, protocol information and such other information as ishelpful in managing communications within the service area. Thesubscribing units 103, 105 and 107 receive the broadcast messages and,based upon the broadcast messages, determine in which frequency band, onwhich channels and according to which protocols to operate. In selectingsuch operations, the subscribing units 103, 105 and 107 may simply actbased upon the information received in the broadcast message and/or upontheir own preferred mode of operation. However, in other embodiments,the subscribing units 103, 105 and 107 communicate with the network toreceive additional information used to make the operationaldeterminations.

The broadcast message may include additional information used inselecting additional operating parameters. For example, the broadcastmessages may include information describing the capacity andcapabilities of neighboring base stations, traffic on the broadcastingbase station, traffic on neighboring base stations and various othertypes of information that may be employed to indicate in which bands,upon what channels and according to which protocols operation within theservice area should be had.

Each of the subscribing units 103, 105 and 107 includes a selection unit(SU). Subscribing unit 103, which is a hand held unit, includes SU 116.Subscribing unit 105 which is located within an automobile includes SU118. Further, subscribing unit 107 includes SU 120. The SUs 116, 118,and 120 operate in response to a broadcast message received from thenetwork to determine in which frequency bands, on which channels andaccording to which protocols the respective subscribing unit willoperate in subsequent communications with the network.

FIG. 1B illustrates a wireless communication system 150 constructedaccording to the present invention in which two networks provideoverlying coverage within a single service area. Subscribing units 103,105 and 107 residing within the single service area may be serviced byeither of the overlying networks. A first network includes MSC 152 andbase stations 164 and 168. The second network includes MSC 154 and basestations 156 and 158. As shown, the MSCs 152 and 154 of the first andsecond networks connect via the PSTN 151 which is employed to routecommunications between the networks.

The base stations 164 and 168 of the first network each include singleantennas that support operation on a single frequency according to asingle communication protocol. Base stations 156 and 158 each includetwo antennas that support operation on two frequencies and according totwo communication protocols. As an example of such operations, the twofrequencies include the 800 MHz band and the PCS band while the twocommunication protocols include AMPS and CDMA protocols. Such protocolsmay be in accordance with IS-91A, TIA/EIA 691, TIA/EIA 553A, IS-95B orlater revision protocols.

The MSC 152 and base stations 164 and 168 of the first network includeBCMUs 153, 166 and 170, respectively. These BCMUs 153, 166 and 170 causethe first network components to broadcast at least one first networkbroadcast message. Further, the MSC 154 and base stations 156 and 158 ofthe second network include BCMUs 155, 160 and 162, respectively. TheseBCMUs 155, 160 and 162 cause the second network components to broadcastat least one second network broadcast message. While the first networkbroadcast message informs listening subscribing units 103, 105 and 107of the capabilities of the first network, the second broadcast messageinforms the listening subscribing units of the capabilities of the firstnetwork. Further, either of the broadcast messages could also inform thesubscribing units 103, 105 and 107 of the capabilities of the othernetwork providing overlying coverage. Based upon the information then,the subscribing units 103, 105 and 107 select operation from theavailable options provided.

As will be appreciated from the description relating to FIGS. 1A and 1B,many various configurations may be constructed, each of which embodiesthe principles of the present invention. Such embodiments include asingle network having multiple operating capabilities and overlyingnetworks providing, either singularly or in combination, multipleoperating capabilities. The construction of any of the embodiments islimited only by the needs of the particular installation and theequipment available for installation.

FIG. 2 illustrates generally a broadcast message 200 that may begenerated by one of the BCMUs 110, 112 or 114 of FIG. 1A, broadcast by arespective base station and received by one of the subscribing units103, 105 or 107. The broadcast message 200 includes standard information202 relating to operation within a respective portion of the servicearea. Such standard information is known in the art and will not befurther described herein except as to expand upon the teachings of thepresent invention. The broadcast message 200 also includes frequencyband information 204 that describes the frequency bands in whichoperation is supported. For example, base station 106 may supportoperation within the 800 MHz frequency band (800 MHz band) and withinthe 1900 MHz frequency band (PCS band) while base station 108 maysupport operation only within the 800 MHz band. In the case, then, thebroadcast message broadcast from base station 106 would indicate boththe 800 MHz band and the PCS band while the broadcast message broadcastfrom base station 108 would indicate only the 800 MHz band. In othersystems, depending upon the frequency bands supported, additionalbandwidths may be indicated within the frequency band information 204.

The broadcast message 200 also includes channel information 206 thatindicates on which channels within each frequency band communication issupported by the network. The channel information 206 may also includeinformation relating to control channels within the particular bands.The channel information 206 is used by the subscribing units thereafterin communicating with the base station 102 over the particular channelsdesignated.

The protocol information 208 contained within the broadcast message 200indicates which communication protocols are supported by the basestation 102 in the particular frequency bands supported. For example, aparticular broadcast message may indicate that the base station 106 doesnot support the CDMA standard in the 800 MHz band and supports the CDMAstandard in the PCS band. Upon receiving the broadcast message,subscribing unit 103 determines that it may operate either according tothe AMPS standard in the 800 MHz band, according to the CDMA standardprotocol in the 800 MHz band, or according to the CDMA standard protocolin the PCS band.

Optionally, the broadcast message 200 may include preference information210 and system operator information 212. The preference information 210may reveal an operating preference to subscribing units in establishingcommunication with a particular frequency band. For example, withreference to FIG. 1A, when subscribing unit 103 enters a portion of theservice area served by base station 106, it receives a broadcast messagefrom the base station 106 that includes preference information. Basedupon the preference information 210, the subscribing unit 103 maydetermine that operation in the PCS band according to the CDMA protocolis desirable as compared to operation according to the AMPS protocol inthe 800 MHz band. Such preference may be indicated due to relativelylower traffic levels within the PCS band.

The system operator information 212 may also include additionalinformation such as stock quotations, sports news, traffic information,weather information, and various other pieces of information. Moreover,the system operator information 212 may also indicate charges that willbe made for accessing the base station 102. The user of the subscribingunit 106, or the subscribing unit 106 automatically, may then chooseoperation based upon the quoted rate. When multiple operators compete toprovide service in a particular geographical area, a particularsubscribing unit may receive broadcast messages from a plurality of basestations. Based upon the rates quoted in the broadcast messages andother pertinent operating information for the completing operators, thesubscribing unit 106 may then indicate a preferred network to the userof the subscribing unit 106 or automatically select the low costprovider.

The system operator information 212 may also indicate the bandwidth thatthe base station 108 may provide to the subscribing unit 106. Availablebandwidth information may be of significant importance in high speeddata (HSD) applications wherein a user desires to transmit data via thewireless communication system 100. In such case, the system operatorinformation 212 may indicate the amount of bandwidth available in eachfrequency band and/or on each available channel in each availablefrequency band. Based upon such indication, the subscribing unit 106 mayselect operation in an available frequency band and according to aparticular protocol to achieve a desired bandwidth. Further, based uponsuch communication, the subscribing unit 106 may determine thatsufficient bandwidth is unavailable via the broadcasting base station108 and may initiate communication with a satellite or a differing basestation that has greater bandwidth.

In combination, therefore, the BCMUs 110, 112 and 114 and the variousSUs 116, 118 and 120 operate in cooperation with one another to optimizeoperation within the service area provided by the network. Not only willsuch operations distribute traffic among available bands but willoptimize communications with the subscribing units 103, 104, and 106 bytaking advantage of the capabilities of the subscribing units and thecapabilities of the base stations 106 and 108.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating operation 300 of the wirelesscommunication system 100 of FIG. 1A. For simplicity in description,operation is described with reference to subscribing unit 103 of FIG.1A. However, operation may be accomplished with respect to any of thesubscribing units constructed according to the present invention andoperating within the service area. Further, while operation is describedwith reference to base station 106, such operation could also beaccomplished with base station 108, with any other base station, or withmultiple of the base stations.

Operation commences at step 302 wherein the subscribing unit 103initiates operation within a cell supported by base station 106. Uponsuch initiation, the subscribing unit 103 scans for a broadcast messageat step 304. The broadcast message may be provided on a control channelor may be provided on a dedicated broadcast channel. When the broadcastmessage is provided on one of a plurality of control channels, thesubscribing unit 103 scans the control channels upon which the broadcastmessage may be transmitted. However, when a dedicated broadcast channelexists throughout all potential operating areas, the subscribing unit103 would listen to the dedicated broadcast channel for the broadcastmessage. Therefore, the scanning operation of step 304 depends upon theparticular construction of the wireless communication system 100.

From step 304, operation proceeds to step 306 wherein the subscribingunit 103 receives the broadcast message. From step 306, operationproceeds to step 308 wherein the SU 116 within the subscribing unit 103determines whether sufficient information has been received in thebroadcast message to determine a desired operation. If the SU 116determines that sufficient information has been received in thebroadcast message at step 314, the SU 116 selects the frequency band ofoperation, channel of operation and communication protocol to beemployed. From step 314, operation proceeds to step 316 wherein thesubscribing unit 103 operates according to the selected frequency band,channel and protocol. In making the determination, further interactionwill be required between the subscribing unit 103 and the network toinitiate the operation. Such operations are generally known and will notbe described further herein except as to expand upon the principles ofthe present invention.

However, if at step 308 it is determined that insufficient informationwas contained within the broadcast message to select a particularfrequency band, channel and operating protocol, operation proceeds tostep 310 wherein the subscribing unit 103 queries the base station 106for additional information relating to the operation of the base station106. Then, at step 312, the base station 106 the subscribing unit 103receives the additional information relating to the operation of thebase station 106. Based upon the additional information, operationproceeds to steps 314 and 316 wherein the frequency band of operation,channel of operation and protocol are selected and operation continuesaccording thereto.

FIG. 4 illustrates particular operation 400 of the subscribing unit 103in conjunction with the base station 106 in determining whether tooperate in the 800 MHz band or the PCS band and whether to operateaccording to the AMPS standard or the CDMA standard. Steps illustratedin FIG. 4 are substantially consistent with, but more specific, thanthose described with respect to FIG. 3.

Operation commences at step 402 wherein subscribing unit 103 receives aCDMA capability global access message (GOAM) which serves as thebroadcast message sent by the base station 102. Table 1 aboveillustrates the GOAM. In the GOAM, CDMA₋₋ FREQ represents the channelnumber of the CDMA frequency assignment to acquire. CDMA₋₋ AVAIL is setto `1` if CDMA is available. Also, PCS₋₋ CDMA₋₋ AVAIL is set to `1` ifPCS CDMA is available. Thus, the GOAM provides minimal information thatis used by the SU 116 in the subscribing unit 103 in selectingoperation.

Based upon this broadcast message, the SU 120 within subscribing unit106 determines whether CDMA operation is preferred at step 404. Suchpreference may have been previously made for the subscribing unit 106and may have been preprogrammed within the subscribing unit 106 at aprevious time. If at step 404 it is determined that CDMA operation isnot preferred, operation proceeds to step 416 wherein the subscribingunit 106 operates according to the analog AMPS standard in the 800 MHzband.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        CDMA Capability Global Access Message (GOAM)                                  Information Element                                                                             Length (bits)                                               ______________________________________                                        T.sub.1 T.sub.2 = 11                                                                            2                                                           DCC               2                                                           ACT = 0100        4                                                           CDMA.sub.-- FREQ  11                                                          CDMA.sub.-- AVAIL 1                                                           PCS.sub.-- CDMA.sub.-- AVAIL                                                                    1                                                           HSD.sub.-- AVAIL  1                                                           RSVD = 000        3                                                           END               1                                                           OHD = 100         3                                                           P                 12                                                          ______________________________________                                    

If at step 404 it is determined that CDMA operation is preferred,operation proceeds to step 406 wherein the SU 116 determines whether ornot CDMA operation is available. Such determination is made by the SU116 by investigating the CDMA₋₋ AVAIL bit provided within the GOAMbroadcast message. If the CDMA₋₋ AVAIL bit is not enabled (set to `0`)at step 406, operation proceeds to step 408 wherein the SU 116determines whether PCS operation is available by investigating the PCS₋₋CDMA₋₋ AVAIL bit. If PCS operation is determined not to be available atstep 408, operation proceeds to step 416 wherein the subscribing unit106 continues analog operation according to the AMPS protocol in the 80.However, if PCS operation is available, then operation proceeds to step418 wherein the subscribing unit 106 queries the base station 102 foradditional information. Such operation will be described further hereinwith respect to FIG. 5.

If at step 406 it is determined that CDMA₋₋ AVAIL is enabled, operationproceeds to step 410 wherein the subscribing unit 103 determines whether800 MHz operation is preferred. If 800 MHz operation is preferred atstep 410, operation proceeds to step 420 wherein the SU 116 initiatesoperation of the subscribing unit 106 according to the CDMA protocol inthe 800 MHz band. Such continued operation is known and is not furtherdescribed herein. However, if at step 410 it is determined that 800 MHzoperation is not preferred, operation proceeds to step 412 where it isdetermined whether the PCS₋₋ CDMA₋₋ AVAIL bit is enabled. If the PCS₋₋CDMA₋₋ AVAIL bit is enabled, operation proceeds to step 418 whereinfurther querying of the base station 106 is performed.

However, if the PCS₋₋ CDMA₋₋ AVAIL bit is not enabled at step 412,operation proceeds to step 414 where it is determined whether thesubscribing unit supports CDMA operation in the 800 MHz band. In theparticular implementation, the 800 MHz band may be considered band classzero which represents the default band. If the subscribing unit 106 doesnot support CDMA protocol operation in the 800 MHz bandwidth at step414, operation proceeds to step 416 wherein the SU 116 determines thatthe subscribing unit 106 continues its operation according to the AMPSprotocol in the 800 MHz band. However, if at step 414 the SU 116determines that the subscribing unit 103 does support operationaccording to the CDMA standard in the 800 MHz band, operation proceedsto step 420 where such operation is initiated.

FIG. 5 illustrates steps taken in the operation of the SU 116 andsubscribing unit 103 in accordance with step 418 of FIG. 4. Theoperation 500 allows the subscribing unit 103 and SU 116 containedtherein to illicit further information from the base station 102 so asto potentially enable operation within the PCS band.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Word A - Abbreviated Address Word                                             Information Element                                                                             Length (bits)                                               ______________________________________                                        F                 1                                                           NAWC              3                                                           T                 1                                                           S                 1                                                           E                 1                                                           ER = 0            1                                                           SCM(3-0)          4                                                           MIN1              24                                                          P                 12                                                          ______________________________________                                    

At step 502 the subscribing unit 106 transmits word A and word B to thebase station 102. Table 2 and Table 3 illustrate the contents of word Aand word B, respectively. As is shown, the contents of word A and word Bidentify the subscribing unit 106 to the base station 102 and alsoprovide an indication to the base station 102 that the subscribing unitis making a PCS query type access.

Upon completion of step 502, operation proceeds to step 504 wherein thesubscribing unit 106 waits for a response from the base station 102. Ifa release is received at step 506, operation of the subscribing unit 106proceeds, at step 508, to step 304 of FIG. 3. At step 510, thesubscribing unit receives a PCS information message from the basestation 102. The PCS information message includes informationillustrated in Tables 4, 5, and 6. As shown, Table 4 illustrates anAbbreviated Address Word, Table 5 illustrates an Extended Address Wordand Table 6 illustrates a PCS Information Word. However, if multiplechannels are available within the PCS band, the PCS Information Word isrepeated within the PCS information message to indicate to thesubscribing unit 106 such other channels within the PCS band which areavailable.

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                        Word B - Extended Address Word                                                Information Element                                                                             Length (bits)                                               ______________________________________                                        F = 0             1                                                           NAWC              3                                                           LOCAL/MSG.sub.-- TYPE = TBD                                                                     5                                                           ORDQ = TBD        3                                                           ORDER = TBD       5                                                           LT                1                                                           EP                1                                                           SCM(4)            1                                                           MPCI              2                                                           SDCC1             2                                                           SDCC2             2                                                           MIN2.sub.33-24    10                                                          P                 12                                                          ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 4                                                         ______________________________________                                        Word 1 - Abbreviated Address Word                                             Information Element                                                                             Length (bits)                                               ______________________________________                                        T.sub.1 T.sub.2   2                                                           DCC               2                                                           MIN1.sub.23-0     24                                                          P                 12                                                          ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 5                                                         ______________________________________                                        Word 2 - Extended Address Word                                                Information Element                                                           T.sub.1 T.sub.2 = 10                                                          SCC                                                                           SCC = 11                                                                      Information Element                                                                             Length (bits)                                               ______________________________________                                        MIN2.sub.33-24    10                                                          EF = 0            1                                                           LOCAL/MSG.sub.-- TYPE                                                                           5                                                           ORDQ = TBD        3                                                           ORDER = TBD       5                                                           P                 12                                                          ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 6                                                         ______________________________________                                        Word 3 - PCS information Word                                                 Information Element                                                                             Length (bits)                                               ______________________________________                                        T.sub.1 T.sub.2 = 10                                                                            2                                                           SCC = 11          2                                                           PCS.sub.-- CDMA.sub.-- FREQ                                                                     11                                                          PCS.sub.-- CDMA.sub.-- AVAIL                                                                    1                                                           HSD.sub.-- FREQ   11                                                          HSD.sub.-- AVAIL  1                                                           P                 12                                                          ______________________________________                                    

From step 510, operation proceeds to step 512 wherein the selection unit120 within the subscribing unit 106 selects a channel within the PCSband upon which it will operate. At step 512, the selection unit 120also selects the protocol under which communication will occur. Afterthe selection at step 512, operation proceeds to step 514 wherein thesubscribing unit and the network coordinate further operation of thesubscribing unit within the service area.

In view of the above detailed description of the present invention andassociated drawings, other modifications and variations will now becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. It should also be apparent thatsuch other modifications and variations may be effected withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention as setforth in the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless communication system that facilitateswireless communication with a subscribing unit operating within aservice area, the wireless communication system comprising:a basestation providing wireless communication within the service area in aplurality of frequency bands and according to a plurality ofcommunication protocols; the base station indicating the plurality offrequency bands and the plurality of communication protocols in abroadcast message; the subscribing unit receiving the broadcast messageand transmitting a request to the base station based upon contents ofthe broadcast message, the request requesting operations supported bythe base station; and the subscribing unit communicating with the basestation on one of the plurality of frequency bands according to one ofthe plurality of communication protocols.
 2. The wireless communicationsystem of claim 1, the broadcast message further including channelinformation, the channel information indicating available channelswithin the frequency bands.
 3. The wireless communication system ofclaim 2, the channel information comprising information regardingcontrol channels within the frequency bands.
 4. The wirelesscommunication system of claim 1, the broadcast message furthercomprising preference information that indicates preferred operationamong the plurality of frequency bands and among the plurality ofcommunication protocols.
 5. The wireless communication system of claim1, the broadcast message further comprising preference information thatindicates traffic levels within at least one frequency band of theplurality of frequency bands.
 6. The wireless communication system ofclaim 1, the broadcast message further comprising preference informationthat indicates available bandwidth within at least one frequency band ofthe plurality of frequency bands.
 7. The wireless communication systemof claim 1, the broadcast message including system operator informationthat is available to a subscribing unit.
 8. The wireless communicationsystem of claim 7, the system operator information indicating to thesubscribing unit portions of at least one frequency band reserved forthe subscribing unit.
 9. The wireless communication system of claim 1,the plurality of frequency bands including the 800 MHz frequency bandand the 1900 MHz frequency band.
 10. The wireless communication systemof claim 1, the plurality of communication protocols including an analogprotocol and a code division multiple access protocol.
 11. The wirelesscommunication system of claim 10, the plurality of communicationprotocols is selected from the group consisting of IS-91A, TIA/EIA 691,TIA/EIA 553A, IS-95B and later revision protocols.
 12. The wirelesscommunication system of claim 1, the base station responding to theinformation request with requested information.
 13. The wirelesscommunication system of claim 1, wherein the information requestincludes a request for information regarding frequencies supported forcode division multiple access operation.
 14. The wireless communicationsystem of claim 1, wherein the information request includes a requestfor information regarding frequencies supported for high speed dataoperation.
 15. A wireless communication system that facilitates wirelesscommunication with a subscribing unit operating within a respectiveservice area, the wireless communication system comprising:a mobileswitching center; a plurality of base stations coupled to the mobileswitching center that each provide wireless communication within aportion of the service area, at least one of the plurality of basestations providing service in a plurality of frequency bands andaccording to a plurality of communication protocols; at least one of theplurality of base stations indicating the plurality of frequency bandsand the plurality of communication protocols in a broadcast message; thesubscribing unit receiving the broadcast message; the subscribing unittransmitting a request to the base station based upon contents of thebroadcast message, the request requesting additional informationregarding one of the plurality of frequency bands or one of theplurality of communication protocols supported by the base station; andthe subscribing unit communicating with one of the base stations on aselected frequency band according to a selected communication protocol.16. The wireless communication system of claim 15, based upon thecontents of the broadcast message, the subscribing unit establishingcommunication with more than one of the base stations.
 17. The wirelesscommunication system of claim 16, based upon the contents of thebroadcast message, the subscribing unit establishing communication withthe base stations according to differing communication protocols. 18.The wireless communication system of claim 15, the broadcast messagefurther including bandwidth information for at least one of theplurality of base stations and, based upon the contents of the broadcastmessage, the subscribing unit establishing communication with one of thebase stations to obtain a desired bandwidth.
 19. The wirelesscommunication system of claim 15, the broadcast message furtherincluding cost of service information for at least one of the pluralityof base stations and, the subscribing unit establishing communicationwith one of the base stations based upon a desired cost of service. 20.The wireless communication system of claim 15, the broadcast messagefurther including channel information, the channel informationindicating available channels within the frequency bands.
 21. Thewireless communication system of claim 20, the channel informationcomprising information regarding control channels within the frequencybands.
 22. The wireless communication system of claim 15, the broadcastmessage further comprising preference information that indicatespreferred operation among the plurality of frequency bands and accordingto one of the plurality of communication protocols.
 23. The wirelesscommunication system of claim 15, the broadcast message furthercomprising preference information that indicates traffic levels withinat least one frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands.
 24. Thewireless communication system of claim 15, the broadcast message furthercomprising preference information that indicates available bandwidthwithin at least one frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands.25. The wireless communication system of claim 15, the broadcast messageincluding system operator information that is available to a subscribingunit.
 26. The wireless communication system of claim 25, the systemoperator information indicating to the subscribing unit portions of atleast one frequency band reserved for the subscribing unit.
 27. Thewireless communication system of claim 15, the plurality of frequencybands comprising at least the 800 MHz frequency band and the 1900 MHzfrequency band.
 28. The wireless communication system of claim 27, theplurality of communication protocols including an analog protocol and acode division multiple access protocol.
 29. The wireless communicationsystem of claim 15, the plurality of communication protocols includingan analog protocol and a code division multiple access protocol.
 30. Thewireless communication system of claim 29, the plurality ofcommunication protocols is selected from the group consisting of IS-91A,TIA/EIA 691, TIA/EIA 553A, IS-95B and later revision protocols.
 31. Thewireless communication system of claim 15, the base station respondingto the information request with requested information.
 32. The wirelesscommunication system of claim 15, wherein the information requestincludes a request for information regarding frequencies supported forcode division multiple access operation.
 33. The wireless communicationsystem of claim 15, wherein the information request includes a requestfor information regarding frequencies supported for high speed dataoperation.
 34. A subscribing unit that operates within a wirelesscommunication system having at least one base station that provideswireless communication within a service area in a plurality of frequencybands and according to a plurality of communication protocols, thesubscribing unit comprising:a wireless interface that facilitatescommunication with the at least one base station to receive a broadcastmessage from the base station, the broadcast message indicating theplurality of frequency bands and the plurality of communicationprotocols; the wireless interface also facilitating transmission of arequest to the base station based upon contents of the broadcastmessage, the request requesting additional information regarding one ofthe plurality of frequency bands or one of the plurality ofcommunication protocols supported by the base station; a selection unitthat selects at least one of the plurality of frequency bands and atleast one of the plurality of communication protocols; and thesubscribing unit communicating with the base station according to the atleast one of the plurality of frequency bands and the at least one ofthe plurality of communication protocols.
 35. The subscribing unit ofclaim 34, wherein:the broadcast message further includes channelinformation, the channel information indicating available channelswithin the frequency bands; and the selection unit selecting the atleast one channel of the plurality of available channels.
 36. Thesubscribing unit of claim 34, wherein:the broadcast message furthercomprises preference information that indicates preferred operationamong the plurality of frequency bands and among the plurality ofcommunication protocols; and the selection unit making selections basedupon the preference information.
 37. The subscribing unit of claim 34,wherein:the broadcast message further comprises preference informationthat indicates traffic levels within at least one frequency band of theplurality of frequency bands.
 38. The subscribing unit of claim 34,wherein:the broadcast message further comprises preference informationthat indicates available bandwidth within at least one frequency band ofthe plurality of frequency bands.
 39. The subscribing unit of claim 34,wherein:the broadcast message including system operator information thatis available to a subscribing unit.
 40. The subscribing unit of claim39, wherein:the system operator information indicates portions of atleast one frequency band reserved for the subscribing unit.
 41. Thesubscribing unit of claim 34, the plurality of frequency bands includingthe 800 MHz frequency band and the 1900 MHz frequency band.
 42. Thesubscribing unit of claim 34, the plurality of communication protocolsincluding an analog protocol and a code division multiple accessprotocol.
 43. The subscribing unit of claim 42, the plurality ofcommunication protocols is selected from the group consisting of IS-91A,TIA/EIA 691, TIA/EIA 553A, IS-95B and later revision protocols.
 44. Thesubscribing unit of claim 34, the base station responding to theinformation request with requested information.
 45. The subscribing unitof claim 34, wherein the information request includes a request forinformation regarding frequencies supported for code division multipleaccess operation.
 46. The subscribing unit of claim 34, wherein theinformation request includes a request for information regardingfrequencies supported for high speed data operation.
 47. A method ofoperating a wireless communication system that facilitates wirelesscommunication with a subscribing unit operating within a service area,the method comprising:broadcasting from a base station a broadcastmessage that indicates a plurality of frequency bands and a plurality ofcommunication protocols supported by the base station; receiving, by thesubscribing unit, the broadcast message; transmitting, by thesubscribing unit, a request to the base station based upon contents ofthe broadcast message, the request requesting additional informationregarding one of the plurality of frequency bands or one of theplurality of communication protocols supported by the base station;selecting a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands;selecting a communication protocol of the plurality of communicationprotocols; and the subscribing unit and the base station communicatingon the selected frequency band according to the selected communicationprotocol.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the broadcast messageincludes channel information indicating available channels within thefrequency bands.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the channelinformation includes information regarding control channels within thefrequency bands.
 50. The method of claim 47, wherein the broadcastmessage includes preference information that indicates preferredoperation among the plurality of frequency bands and according to one ofthe plurality of communication protocols.
 51. The method of claim 47,wherein the broadcast message further includes preference informationthat indicates traffic levels within at least one frequency band of theplurality of frequency bands.
 52. The method of claim 47, wherein thebroadcast message further includes preference information that indicatesavailable bandwidth within at least one frequency band of the pluralityof frequency bands.
 53. The method of claim 47, wherein the broadcastmessage further includes system operator information that is availableto a subscribing unit.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the systemoperator information indicates to the subscribing unit portions of atleast one frequency band reserved for the subscribing unit.
 55. Themethod of claim 47, wherein the plurality of communication protocols isselected from the group consisting of IS-91A, TIA/EIA 691, TIA/EIA 553A,IS-95B and later revision protocols.
 56. The method of claim 47, furthercomprising the step of responding, by the base station to thesubscribing unit, with requested information.
 57. The method of claim47, wherein the information request includes a request for informationregarding frequencies supported for code division multiple accessoperation.
 58. The method of claim 47, wherein the information requestincludes a request for information regarding frequencies supported forhigh speed data operation.
 59. In a wireless communication system havinga plurality of base stations coupled to a mobile switching center, witheach base station providing wireless communications within a respectiveportion of a service area and at least one of the plurality of basestations operating in a plurality of frequency bands and according to aplurality of communication protocols, a method for operating thewireless communication system comprising:broadcasting from at least oneof the base stations a broadcast message, the broadcast messageindicating a plurality of frequency bands and a plurality ofcommunication protocols supported by at least one of the base stations;receiving, by the subscribing unit, the broadcast message; selecting, bythe subscribing unit, a base station from the plurality of base stationswith which to establish communication; selecting a frequency band of theplurality of frequency bands; selecting a communication protocol of theplurality of communication protocols; transmitting a request to the basestation based upon contents of the broadcast message, the requestrequesting additional information regarding one of the plurality offrequency bands or one of the plurality of communication protocolssupported by the base station; and the subscribing unit and the selectedbase station communicating in the selected frequency band according tothe selected communication protocol.
 60. The method of claim 59,wherein, based upon the contents of the broadcast message, thesubscribing unit establishes communication with the base stationsaccording to differing communication protocols.
 61. The method of claim59, wherein the broadcast message further includes cost of serviceinformation for at least one of the plurality of base stations and, thesubscribing unit establishes communication with one of the base stationsbased upon the cost of service information.
 62. The method of claim 59,wherein the broadcast message includes preference information thatindicates possibly preferred operation among the plurality of frequencybands and according to one of the plurality of communication protocols.63. The method of claim 59, wherein the broadcast message furtherincludes preference information that indicates traffic levels within atleast one frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands.
 64. Themethod of claim 59, wherein the broadcast message further includespreference information that indicates available bandwidth within atleast one frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands.
 65. Themethod of claim 59, wherein the broadcast message further includessystem operator information that is available to a subscribing unit. 66.The method of claim 65, wherein the system operator informationindicates to the subscribing unit portions of at least one frequencyband reserved for the subscribing unit.
 67. The method of claim 59,wherein the plurality of communication protocols is selected from thegroup consisting of IS-91A, TIA/EIA 691, TIA/EIA 553A, IS-95B and laterrevision protocols.
 68. The method of claim 59, further comprising thestep of responding, by the base station to the subscribing unit, withrequested information.
 69. The method of claim 59, wherein theinformation request includes a request for information regardingfrequencies supported for code division multiple access operation. 70.The method of claim 59, wherein the information request includes arequest for information regarding frequencies supported for high speeddata operation.